In a world gone mad, one family will do anything to keep each other safe… Jodi McDonald and her family have escaped from the Helios cult. But their freedom has come at a heavy price. Now, grief-stricken and fractured, they are once again on the road. As they search for a new sanctuary, Jodi is driven by one need above all to protect her family at all costs. Every person has their breaking point, and Owen McDonald has reached his. To cope with unbearable loss, he fixates on finding a new home—a fresh start. But his obsession with reaching the coast could have deadly consequences. And as his actions become ever more extreme, Jodi’s family must contend with his descent into madness. The McDonalds have learned to be wary of outsiders. But this time, danger comes from within. And the greatest threat to the family might be Owen himself.
Grace Hamilton is the prepper pen-name for a bad-ass, survivalist momma-bear of four kids, and wife to a wonderful husband. After being stuck in a mountain cabin for six days following a flash flood, she decided she never wanted to feel so powerless or have to send her kids to bed hungry again. Now she lives the prepper lifestyle and knows that if SHTF or TEOTWAWKI happens, she’ll be ready to help protect and provide for her family.
Combine this survivalist mentality with a vivid imagination (as well as a slightly unhealthy day dreaming habit) and you get a prepper fiction author. Grace spends her days thinking about the worst possible survival situations that a person could be thrown into, then throwing her characters into these nightmares while trying to figure out "What SHOULD you do in this situation?"
It’s her wish that through her characters, you will get to experience what life will be like and essentially learn from their mistakes and experiences.
Stormy: rain, wind, and hurricanes. New challenges of finding safe shelter and potable water. With it all comes new tragedy. Will the MacDonalds weather the storms?
If you love the EMP, end of the world as we know it, genre, Grace Hamilton should be one of your favorite authors. She has an amazing number of series, even one about the world ending while the group is on a tv reality show, yet she never repeats the scenes, characters, events or endings. Her books follow the good/vs bad scenes but add so much more to the story. I have yet to read a bad Grace Hamilton book or even one that rates less than 5 stars. Stormy World is book 6 in this series so it will end soon but I'm positive Hamilton is already working on her next apocalyptic adventure.
I had never read anything by Grace Hamilton before. I picked up this book and quickly got sucked into the end of the world premise. As a mother, I have actually thought many times how would I protect my kids if an apocalypse happened?
The cover fits really well with the rest of the series. It could literally be one of many scenes from within the book. It tells you the book is post apocalyptic and does its job well as it makes you want to pick up the book and learn more about it!
The book picks up right where the previous one, Ruined World left off. To say the family are devastated at their recent loss is an understatement and they haven’t even come to terms with their previous losses from them fleeing their home and safe have. Now they have escaped Helios and its strange group of people, but at an extremely high cost at one of their family being shot as they fled and sadly dying. As Owen naturally seems to be suffering the most and coping the least the others seem to be trying to soothe him and are going along with his wish to head to the coast despite Jodi having misgivings about doing so. Beth is struggling with her health, her heart is hampering her when she wants to keep battling on and continue walking at the gruelling pace Owen seems determined to keep to. Owen has his heart and mind set on going to the coast as that is where he and his wife had wanted to live and bring up their daughter Katie before everything collapsed. He is so set on going he informs his family he will go with or without them, which leaves them little choice but to follow him as he leads them towards the unknown at the coast. Jodi is trying to lighten the dark atmosphere and mood being created by Owen by playing games with the younger members of the family. So she is playing the Alphabet game with Kaylee to pass the time with the youngster. Owen is however not willing to play along, even for the younger ones, refusing to join in the game correctly just stating N is for Not joining in!! Jodi tries numerous times to reach her son, to help him spend time with his daughter Katie without snapping at her and scaring her, but Owen goes over and over what happened, choosing other scenarios that might have resulted in a different outcome. A route and outcome that wouldn’t have resulted in more loss. Even Beth tries to reach out to her Grandson explaining she has lost loved ones and had her heart broken too, and that they have to go on for the younger ones, that those that had died would want them to get on with life.
Owen breaks the code the family have lived by so far and sets a series of unfortunate events in to motion. It seems like Owen has hardened and will do whatever he feels he has to to provide for his daughter Katie. They need to find a way to get to the coast quicker, so he not only finds a solution, he then takes something, without an attempt at trading or being friendly to the community he is stealing from. When circumstances get out of hand the rest of the family have no choice but to go along with Owen and let the drama unfold.
The family finally arrive at the coast but things are not much better there. They come across another settlement who are very off standish and seem to not want anything to do with them. The family persist in helping where they are able to. To be honest they are wary of strangers themselves after the Helios settlement. The settlement soon accepts their help when it becomes apparent Jodi, Violet & Beth can help treat their sick. The people are becoming sick because of their water source but just as the McDonalds come up with a solution to the water issue decide to help sort out the water then be on their way as a family as the settlement just doesn’t feel quite right for them there is a bigger problem, a large ferocious storm that forces the McDonald family and the coastal settlers to try to run ahead of it in an attempt to get to higher ground and safety. The McDonald family eventually find an old church and an argument ensues between Owen and the rest of the family about its suitability to stay standing in the storm. The family end up caught up in the storm, they then get split up, with some making it to the old church which causes its own problems as Beth collapses and orders her family to safety, demanding they leave her where she is, whether that is to die alone or not! However Beth finds herself escaping the part of the church she is in when it is collapsing. Once again she finds herself outside in the horrendous storm. Owen is reunited with Beth as she wanders outside in the storm and despite her protests he carries both Beth and Katie to safety and they take refuge in a school, where they have a real heart to heart talk. Beth makes Owen promise to take Katie and reunite with the family that are still up at the church. Owen struggles leaving Beth behind in the school but decides to deliver on his promise and arrives at the church and reunites with the other McDonalds just when all looks lost Owen makes the ultimate sacrifice for his family.
The members of the McDonald family that survive the storm end up finding a boat and finding some peace and having time together to grieve and heal somewhat as a family cut off from others, util they decide they need to leave their haven to get ahead of the coming stormy season.
I really enjoyed reading this whole series, the world building was detailed and interesting. The way people acted badly when things went wrong in the world were sadly really believable. Though there were some kinder, generous characters the McDonald met along their way too. The female family characters I loved were Jodi, Beth, Violet and her guide dog Ruby who were all fiercely independent and determined to do as much work if not more than the men around them. The male family characters I liked were Shane, Mike and Owen who despite the women wanting to do the difficult jobs too tried their best to do that little bit more and were determined to protect their family at all cost. Even when Owen was “doing the wrong thing” he was in his own mind doing what he thought was right and what his family desperately needed. The character that wasn’t actually a McDonald but still did anything and everything he could for the family that I loved was Corbin. He was a good friend to Owen despite him trying to push him away in his grief, it was also clear he loved Violet and would protect her with his own life.
Summing up this book has lots of “Wow” moments it also has tornadoes, death, destruction and devastation, all things the McDonald family clan find themselves going through, Sadness, slivers of happiness, loss, heartbreak and grief, the emotions the McDonalds endure in this book. I definitely recommend reading this series, and in fact others by this author.
Owen loses touch with reality after Amelia’s death. His whole family is worried about him. In their travels they come upon a town that seems to be thriving and has several vehicles at their disposal. The family votes to continue on, rather than approach the town. They take temporary shelter in an abandoned building and Owen volunteers to stand guard while the family sleeps. Jodi is startled awake by lights beaming through the windows of the building. At the rumble of a motor outside she awakens Shane and the see Owen exiting the van that he stole from the town they chose to bypass. They try unsuccessfully to get Owen to return the van when the townsfolk appear in other vehicles and demands the van back. The family has no problem with peacefully giving it back, but the town’s Mayor demands that they stand trial for the theft. When she refuses to capitulate, the McDonalds jump in the van and escape, but not without a harrowing vehicular chase through the town and on the highway. At some point the guys block off the highway with abandoned cars and resume the drive, assuming their pursuers will see the blockage and stop…but they don’t, and they collide in an explosion of twisted metal and flames. Everyone is shocked in the aftermath of the calamity of Owen’s dastardly deed. Owen insists they head toward the Atlantic because Amelia always wanted to go there, so he strongarms the family to agree. When Owen burns out the van’s motor, they continue their travels on foot. Eventually, they reach a beach town and work to assimilate with the residents. Things are going okay when the little town that had barely recovered from a previous hurricane, is hit with another impending hurricane on the horizon. The tow people scatter to seek shelter out of the path of the storm, including the McDonalds. The family shelters in an old church where they barely escape drowning in a flood. The situation is resolved when Owen saves the family by closing off the water flow pouring into the loft where they barely escape family is trapped. Unfortunately, Owen doesn’t survive his heroic act, and Beth is also a casualty when her bad heart finally claims her life. The book ends with the truncated family finds a sailboat, finds an intact resort island and takes temporary refuge there. Shortly before hurricane the family sails off to hurricane-free locales with a plan to maybe return to their tropical paradise off-season.
This six book post-apocalyptic saga kept me entertained throughout. I would definitely read more books from this author.
I really have to get into the habit of when jumping into a series to write a review up for each book, but in this case I'm just going to lump it all together into one review.
I joined KU for the fact that these types of books are readily available, between zombies and this genre it keeps fueling my addiction..
I fast became a fan of this authors only this year, I stumbled across her books due to a recommendation within a post apocalyptic group I'm in, and her name popped up a lot of times. And since then the rest is history, I've got a few books of hers under my belt and am hooked beyond belief.
These characters became like family to me, everything they went through, the deaths, the loss of their sanctuary, and the grandmother that was the glue binding them all together without her their road would've been a hell of a lot bumpier than it was.
The author threw everything she could at these unsuspecting characters, from unrest within the community, a biker gang set on vengeance, death, destruction, heart break, and one man who burnt it all down to the ground, one flick of his lighter, and a whole village was obliterated within the blink of an eye.
A family split in two, neither knowing if the others had survived.
One group thought they had been given a reprieve within a worshipping cult, only for them to hide the evilness behind their robes. The other barely came out unscathed with ravaged scars from the fire and surviving a mountain lions attack.
A rescue mission was forged to being the family back together again as a unit.
But yet again death was at the groups doorstep. And one man was left spiralling down a dark abyss.. Putting his family in grave danger with the decisions he made on a whim. To finally think they had found a home on the coast with the ocean at their doorstep, only for it to be an illusion as yet again nature fights back and they are thrust into a storm's wrath. And death knocking twice at their door yet again.
This series had my emotions jumping around like a yoyo, the author pushing the boundaries, taking no prisoners. I love the survival aspect of these books, the danger they face, the love of family and bonds shared, the many miles walked to try and find a place they can call home. The hunger, the scavenging.
This definitely won't be the last I'll read by this author, I've already downloaded another series onto my kindle. Thank you Grace Hamilton for feeding my addiction in the best possible way.
Stormy World is the sixth book in the Surviving the End series by Grace Hamilton. Stormy World pulled me into its world from the first page and never let go. Stormy World kept me on my toes as I raced to the end I followed the McDonald family on their journey to the coast after finally escaping Helios.
Their journey so far has been a tough one, is it about to get more dangerous than ever before? Stormy World picks up where Ruined World left off. That ending was so tragic I couldn’t wait to dive into Stormy World to see how everyone was doing.
Owen is having a tough time dealing with everything. He is hurting badly and lashing out at everyone. Owens wants to go to the coast with his daughter, Katie. So without little choice, the family follows him. Jodi tries her best to help her son deal with his loss but without much success.
Stormy World was sad in more ways than one with everything they were going through. Stormy World had me in tears on many occasions. Stormy World is an engaging story that will keep you hooked.
Stormy World will rip your heart out. The McDonald family has gone through so much since the EMP hit. I don’t know how one family can suffer so much and still smile but they do. Well, almost everyone as Owen is having a hard time dealing.
I love this world that was created for Stormy World. I am so sad to know that this is the last book. I would love to see this series go on forever. I can’t seem to get enough of stories like this one.
I highly recommend Stormy World to all post-apocalyptic fans! Grab a copy of Stormy World today!
Stormy World by Grace Hamilton. Surviving the End #6. In a world gone mad, one family will do anything to keep each other safe… Jodi McDonald and her family have escaped from the Helios cult. But their freedom has come at a heavy price. Now, grief-stricken and fractured, they are once again on the road. As they search for a new sanctuary, Jodi is driven by one need above all others: to protect her family at all costs. Every person has their breaking point, and Owen McDonald has reached his. To cope with unbearable loss, he fixates on finding a new home—a fresh start. But his obsession with reaching the coast could have deadly consequences. And as his actions become ever more extreme, Jodi’s family must contend with his descent into madness. The McDonalds have learned to be wary of outsiders. But this time, danger comes from within. And the greatest threat to the family might be Owen himself. I really enjoyed this book. I love this series. I did like Jodi and Shane. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
let me begin by saying that i'm a big fan of Grace Hamilton's work and the Surviving the End series has been a dandy, capturing and keeping my attention with each book. Stormy World is no different. if anything, Stormy World has a bit of a harder edge than the other books since it deals with the consequences of unhinged grief and the madness it can cause. how much trauma can the human mind absorb before the darkness begins to swallow you whole? the McDonald's clan wrestles with this as their son, Owen sinks into a deep depression that grows more intense with no end in sight. how do you save your loved one from himself?
i loved Stormy World. i loved the passion, the action, the wild emotion and difficult choices to be made. Hamilton sent the series off in a grand way that left me with a tear in my eye. dang those allergies!! i look forward to see what new and exciting world Grace Hamilton takes us to next!! to sum up:
I found this book really engaging when I understood the characters and the 'world', that is all done to me so I haven't taken any points off. This book did such a great job of getting me involved I now have to go back to listen/read the other books as I want to find out how they got into the situation. There were some really serious issues discussed here which I haven't seen discussed elsewhere - impacts of PTSD, chronic back issues in this environment etc so it got me really intrigued.
The narration really worked and I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The McDonald's have escaped from Helios and are now on the road to the coast. They all are for staying by the ocean. As they get closer to their destination, they realize a hurricane has just passed, leaving trees and other debris everywhere. When they finally arrive at the island town of Sullyton, they offer their services as healers. Then another hurricane arrives. This story has plenty of action and contains romance, ending with the family coming to terms with their lives now. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book in a box set via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We are back with the McDonalds in book six of the Surviving the End series and just like the rest of the series this is a page turning read. From the captivating and gripping storyline to the danger and unexpected twists and turns this author writes the best what would you do books. After everything that has happened to this family, I can't wait to read how their story ends. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Brilliant EMP,Prepping Survival series. Based around a family who survive their home town, till a second disaster strikes. Then find another where they realise things are not what they seem. Then finally moving from town, area to find somewhere safe. Losing family members along the way. Absolutely brilliant reads, that draw you in, to the end.
Owen slowly descends into profound grief over the loss of Amelia (his wife) from wounds received during the escape from the Helios cult. Beth is suffering from angina, which she successfully hides from the others. The love between Violet and Corbin intensifies. The MacDonalds head for the Atlantic coast. After a harrowing hurricane and tornado, the family
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another great installment in the Serving the End series. Searching for safety for their family and friends across a ruined world means everyone must do their best to support each other. Dangerous and deadly hurricanes put them in danger and survival is threatened.
Another stellar installment in the series following the Macdonald’s as they try to navigate the end of the world. Riveting conclusion to another compelling story by The author! I look forward to the next tale already! I was given an advance copy in exchange for a review.
I binge read this series as I do others. I don't like to wait for the next book. This series, by a favorite author, is one of the best I've ever read. It hit all the emotions. I highly recommend these books and others by this author!
A good read, a few places you think , what are they doing ! But overall well written! It is fiction!! So for the story it is entertaining. Thank you for a few hrs of distraction.
Stormy: rain, wind, and hurricanes. New challenges of finding safe shelter and potable water. With it all comes new tragedy. Will the MacDonalds weather the storms?
Not going to lie, I struggled through this. I have no real feedback apart from what I wrote for the other books, but I won't be reading the series again.
Stormy World by Grace Hamilton. Surviving the End #6. In a world gone mad, one family will do anything to keep each other safe… Jodi McDonald and her family have escaped from the Helios cult. But their freedom has come at a heavy price. Now, grief-stricken and fractured, they are once again on the road. As they search for a new sanctuary, Jodi is driven by one need above all others: to protect her family at all costs. Every person has their breaking point, and Owen McDonald has reached his. To cope with unbearable loss, he fixates on finding a new home—a fresh start. But his obsession with reaching the coast could have deadly consequences. And as his actions become ever more extreme, Jodi’s family must contend with his descent into madness. The McDonalds have learned to be wary of outsiders. But this time, danger comes from within. And the greatest threat to the family might be Owen himself. I really enjoyed this book. I love this series. I did like Jodi and Shane. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
I really enjoy all of Grace Hamiltons books! I love the way she makes the characters so real that you feel invested in their lives!!! Stormy World was one more of her awesome books! I would recommend this series to everyone!!
Loved this book. Definitely a page turner. Grace Hamilton is an exceptional author!! Some really sad parts along with all the tension that makes her books so desirable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.